Social unrest within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to intensify. Since Wednesday, November 13, employees have been on strike to demand respect for their salary rights. The strikers’ demands concern several points, but particularly the full application of the salary scale in force and the payment of salary arrears of diplomats in post. This protest, which has paralyzed the activities of the ministry for several days now, reflects a deep malaise within this crucial institution for Congolese diplomacy.
Anicet Mulenda, president of the trade union delegation to Foreign Affairs, expressed the dismay of employees with regard to the current situation. He emphasized that the expectations of employees have been disappointed on many occasions, particularly with regard to the 28% increase in salary planned for the month of October, which has not been implemented. This situation has angered employees and pushed them to launch this strike, in the hope of finally obtaining satisfaction.
The strikers insist on the urgency of paying the arrears owed to agents and diplomats, as well as the need to receive their salaries before December. This last demand takes on its full meaning when one considers the financial and family issues that arise from these payment delays. Indeed, it is essential that diplomats can provide for the needs of their loved ones in decent conditions.
Despite multiple attempts by the press to obtain a reaction from the authorities, in this case the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Budget, no satisfactory response has been communicated. This attitude of silence from the leaders in the face of the legitimate concerns of the agents only fuels the determination of the strikers to continue their movement. Through this mobilization, the agents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs express their fed up with precarious working conditions and salaries that do not comply with the standards in force.
This strike, beyond its immediate impact on the functioning of the ministry, raises crucial questions about the management of human and financial resources within the Congolese administration. It highlights the difficulties encountered by Foreign Affairs officers in asserting their rights and obtaining decent working conditions. In the face of this social crisis, it is imperative that the authorities take into consideration the officers’ legitimate demands and work towards a rapid and fair resolution of the conflict. The future of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the well-being of its officers depend on it.